In the world of wrestling, Zahid Valencia is a promising name. As the World Wrestling Championship concluded in Belgrade, the 26-year-old walked home with a bronze. Giving tough competition to his Japanese wrestling rival, he scored double takedowns on him despite the disadvantage. His inability to get bulked up despite an increase in weight didn’t go against his stars.
Besides his wrestling self, Zahid has a different aspect he takes extreme pride in. Being a part of the Hispanic community had impacted his sport highly. At 92 kg, the star performer clinched a much-awaited bronze. Moreover, he gives a great deal of credit to his community and bows down to the larger-than-life teachings.
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Wrestling star’s inspiring journey
With the continuation of the Hispanic Heritage Month, Zahid received a bag of accolades. After starting off his journey at the Terminators Wrestling Club in California, the wrestler established himself as a two-time National Champion. Moreover, he moved on to clinch the three-time State Champion, owing to his most youth competition wins.
Hailing from the Hispanic community, Zahid never shies away from owning his heritage. Moreover, the community also influenced his point of views, therefore refining him as a person. “Right now, I’m focused on my wrestling and figuring out all the other parts in my life, like what I’m going to do after wrestling. Am I going to coach, am I going into business?” he stated. Moreover, besides perfecting his journey, he wants to be a role model to the younger generation as well. He also wishes to influence the youth wrestling community by conducting privates and camps.
“I really do love representing my Hispanic community! It’s my Mexican family and Hispanic community that made me the man that I am today. So, I love showing people my Mexican roots.” After his Grand Prix gold, Valencia stood atop the podium with a bronze in hand and passion in heart. Proudly boasting of his sport and his Hispanic heritage, Valencia’s life journey resonated with great determination.
Valencia opens up about his recent medal finish
A post-match interview caught Zahid opening up, saying, “Coming back with a bronze, it shows I have room to improve. But I’m right there with the best wrestlers in the world.” The reason why Valencia’s words reflect intimidation is, he claimed, his first World Title. Competing against the best men required sheer finesse, and he undoubtedly outstood himself. Along similar lines, his Hispanic heritage strengthened his ground. He said, “I never shied away, as soon as I realized I could go 92, I’m like, let’s do it. I’m gonna go, compete as much as I can for the ultimate goal in 2024.”
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With all the athletes prepping up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Valencia joined the tribe as well. His weight disadvantage cost him no deduction this time. But time will tell if he really suffers or not.
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Edited by
Purva Jain